Unstoppable! 'Keys to Growth: Delegation and Consecration' — Acts 6:6-7

Friday, March 24, 2023

These seven [who were chosen to oversee the food distribution] were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

So God's message continued to spread...

— Acts 6:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

We previously looked at some of the principles of delegating that the early church leaders practiced. In this case of needing to equitably care for all the widows, the body of believers presented seven men they felt spiritually fit the requirements given to them by the apostles for servants to meet this need.* The apostles then placed their hands on those men to delegate and consecrate them publicly as specially designated servants. Affirming their responsibility and roles was vitally important for them as they served. Both the body of believers who selected the seven men and the widows whom these men were called to serve knew to trust, follow, and help them!

* For several reasons, we should not minimize the responsibility given to these servants:
— The problem was big enough that the apostles decided that seven people were needed to address it (Acts 6:3).
— The problem related to being sure that people were adequately fed, and there's not much that's more important.
— The money involved was not insignificant. At least some of the money brought to the apostles came from the sale of real estate (Acts 4:36-5:2), and it seems reasonable that a large portion of the money would have gone to supplying food.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my Abba Father, forgive me and my generation. All too often, we do not respect our leaders and doubt their intentions. As your leaders serve and as they delegate responsibilities to new servants and empower them with spiritually sound principles, we want to follow and support them. Holy Spirit, we do ask you to convict us when rebelliousness and cynicism cloud our hearts. Open our hearts so we will trust and follow our leaders with generous grace and loving support. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  • Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:6-7 NLT — These seven [who were chosen to oversee the food distribution] were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So God's message continued to spread...

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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